History

The Royal National Mòd is organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Highland Association) which was founded in Oban in 1891 and has HM The Queen as it's Patron. It is Scotland’s premier festival celebrating it's Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage and provides opportunities for people of all ages to perform across a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic Music and Song, Highland Dancing, Instrumental, Drama, Sport and Literature.

Although the focus of the Royal National Mod is on competition, the event also offers a wide and comprehensive programme of non-competitive “Fringe” events which regularly include performances from some of Scotland’s top traditional musicians and Gaelic singers.

In addition to providing a national and international platform for promotion of the Gaelic language and culture, the Mod provides a major economic and cultural boost to the host area and also attracts considerable national and international publicity, raising the profile of the host location. The Mod also represents an annual opportunity for Gaels and non-Gaels to gather and renew old friendships as well as forging new ones.

The updated Royal National Mod Manual is now available for download here.

Looking back at Mòd 2008

Bringing a National Mòd to a new area is never easy and this year saw Falkirk playing host to a fantastic week of Gaelic language, music and culture. This has also led to many continuing developments in the area, not least the creation of the Falkirk and District Gaelic Forum which will work in conjunction with other local and national agencies in promoting all aspects of Highland culture.

Following a very successful Mòd 2008 the local committee would like to thank all those involved in making Falkirk the place to be for 8 days in October. You can still buy Mod ‘08 merchandise online at www.mod2008falkirk.org/product.asp - all remaining items are half price!

Looking back at Mòd 2007

Members of the Royal Family regularly attend the Mod and Mod 2007 was delighted to welcome HRH The Earl of Wessex to Fort William. Mod 2007 also saw the presence of a large delegation from the Nova Scotia Provincial Government with the Honourable Len Goucher Minister for Tourism Culture and Heritage in Nova Scotia performing the Opening Ceremony. The Freedom of Lochaber was bestowed on Chrissie MacEachen who has worked tirelessly for Gaelic in the area.

Mod 2007 was a huge success and saw the event win the award of Event of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. Thanks go to all involved with the local committee, the community, the participants and national organisers for their efforts.

History

Looking back at Mòd 2008

Looking back at Mòd 2007

Cal Mac

Event Scotland

RBS

Royal Mail

Bord na Gàidhlig

Highland Council